Image credit:Freddie Freeman, Team Canada (Getty Images)
The return of Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman highlights the 2023 Team Canada World Baseball Classic roster, but despite having him, Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill and Guardians righthander Cal Quantrill, Team Canada’s overall roster is going to be challenged to compete in a Pool C that also includes Mexico and Team USA.
Pitching depth is an issue for the Canadian team. Five pitchers who are on the roster did not play pro baseball in 2022, and a sixth’s only pitching in recent years is in the winter Australian Baseball League.
Freeman gives the team a lineup anchor, but the team will be relying heavily on Blue Jays minor leaguer Otto Lopez to provide solid play at shortstop. Twins minor league second baseman Edouard Julien and Mariners third baseman Abraham Toro will also be asked to provide significant impact offensively.
Update: Righthander Nick Pivetta has withdrawn from the tournament due to Covid-19. Lefthander Ben Onyshko has been added to the roster as a replacement.
